Leydig cell tumor with gynecomastia: hormonal effects of an estrogen-producing tumor.
A patient with a testicular interstitial cell tumor and gynecomastia is reported. The testicular tumor was capable of aromatizing 8.3% testosterone. Spermatic venous samples taken from the tumor-bearing side had marked elevations of 17 beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (170 HP). The progesterone to 17OHP and 17OHP to androstene-dione ratios suggested an enzymatic block of 17 alpha-hydroxylase and 17-20 lyase possibly secondary to locally produced E2. The E2 produced by the tumor appeared to suppress gonadotropin secretion. The plasma testosterone and gonadotropin levels rose within 7 days after the removal of tumor, and the gynecomastia began to decrease.
D000328:Adult; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000097:blood; D002369:Castration; D004958:Estradiol / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006177:Gynecomastia / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones / Q000097:blood; D007984:Leydig Cell Tumor / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D006908:Hydroxyprogesterones; D013739:Testosterone; D000735:Androstenedione; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone